Corners

Stephen Tsai writes about the cornerback shuffle to replace Kenny Patton.

In a Texas two-step, University of Hawai'i cornerbacks Gerard Lewis and Myron Newberry have emerged as the leading candidates to start in Saturday's football game at New Mexico State.

"It's their job to lose," said Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs.

Defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville agreed, saying both are projected to start.

The article also has a profile of backup offensive lineman Keoni Steinhoff, news on Ryan Grice-Mullins' recovery, and a new recruit from Denmark named Kasper Oelund.

Oelund, who is 6 feet 2 and 205 pounds, was named to the European All-Star team as an inside linebacker. He played in the European championships, which draws players from football associations in more than 16 countries.

Oelund's coach knows UH defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold. Prior to joining UH last year, Reinebold served as the senior manager of international player development for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe.

Coach Reinebold is definitely expanding the Warriors' recruiting base! Now somebody needs to go to Japan to recruit some yokozuna and ozeki for the offensive line.

Speaking of recruiting around the world, here's a profile of Aussie and former Hawaii punter Mat McBriar, who leads the NFL in punting this season.

Dave Reardon also has news about the corners, but he says that C.J. Hawthorne will retain his starting position.

A.J. Martinez, Gerard Lewis, Myron Newberry and Ryan Keomaka have had their moments, good and bad. And Guyton Galdeira is getting practice reps now, too.

C.J. Hawthorne has one side locked down. But the others are all getting a look this week to take Patton's spot.

"We're all ready," said Lewis, who was in on five tackles and a pass breakup against the Bulldogs. "You've got to be ready. One goes down, you have another one ready."

The Warriors will probably play a lot of corners Saturday at New Mexico State. The Aggies are as pass-happy as the Warriors, and the game will be at 4,000-feet above sea level.

Whoever starts, there will be a lot of rotation going on. The article also has a short update on Blaze Soares, who has healed from a hamstring injury and wants to get back out on the field.

The Idaho Statesman has a short preview of this Saturday's Hawaii-New Mexico State game.

The game that may never end features the top two passing teams in the nation. Hawaii chucks 45 passes per game and averages 420.8 passing yards. New Mexico State tosses 54 passes and averages 433.5 yards. They meet Saturday in Las Cruces.

“That will be an entertaining game for sure,” New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme said. “… I’m sure coach Jones won’t even bring his punter with him.”

Both teams spread defenses with quick receivers and replace a run game with short passes.

They also feature two star quarterbacks. Hawaii junior Colt Brennan ranks third in the nation in pass efficiency (23 touchdowns, five interceptions). He tossed five touchdown passes last week at Fresno State and was the WAC offensive player of the week, and he gets star receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen back from injury this week.

New Mexico State sophomore Chase Holbrook leads the nation in passing with 424 yards per game. He threw for 526 yards Sunday against Boise State.

CollegeFootballNews.com's Pete Fiutak is definitely looking forward to the game.

It’s finally here. I guarantee you the Hawaii – New Mexico State battle will be the most fun game you’ll watch all year long. NMSU’s Chase Holbrook is No. 1 in the nation averaging 403 passing yards per game, while Hawaii’s Colt Brennan is No. 2 averaging 378.5 per game. I’m demanding 1,000 yards of passing offense and over 100 points.

It'll definitely get up there! GO WARRIORS!!!!